On 7-17-17, at about 1000 hours, officers were dispatched to the Dollar Store on Fletcher Parkway reference a subject who had committed a robbery. While officers were responding, the Dollar Store employees advised the suspect, Cook, had left their store and was now at the KFC restaurant at 724 Fletcher Parkway. KFC also called the police department to report that Cook was stealing soda from their fountain. The victim officer arrived and contacted Cook inside of the KFC. Cook became violent and punched the officer multiple times. As the officer was unconscious on the floor, Cook continued to assault him. The officer, a 28 year veteran, has been admitted and is still in an area hospital with significant injuries.

After Cook stopped assaulting the unconscious officer, a female MTS employee in the restaurant grabbed the officer’s radio and called for help. Since the downed officer was alone, it may have taken much longer to get medical aid to him if it were not for the quick thinking and willingness to get involved of this Good Samaritan.

Cook fled the scene of the assault as officers were responding. He was found in the center median of Fletcher Parkway. He ignored commands to surrender and took a fighting stance. An electronic control device was used effectively to control Cook long enough to take him into custody without injury. Cook was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine. He was booked into SDCJ on the above charges.

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to call the El Cajon Police Department at 619-579-3311.